Now even Lord Tebbit can get on his bike...

MPs were told today to get on their Boris Bikes when a special docking station opens at Westminster.

Cabinet minister Sir George Young, the "Bicyling Baronet", urged parliamentarians to ditch their cars and taxis for two wheels.

"It's fantastic news that the Mayor is finally bringing his bikes to Parliament," said Sir George, Leader of the Commons. "I would encourage all MPs and peers to try them, and if they enjoy cycling, to go on to purchase their own bikes.

There's no faster, cheaper or greener way to get round."

Commons authorities and Transport for London are in talks over a timescale for putting a docking station in Abingdon Green opposite the Lords.

Currently, the closest rack is nearly 10 minutes walk away at Millbank Tower or Horseferry Road.Claire Perry, Conservative MP for Devizes, tried out a Boris Bike for the first time yesterday.

She said: "The sense of freedom, when you leave after a late division and head off down Embankment, while your poor colleagues are stuck waiting for taxis, is immense."

Labour MP Ian Austin, chairman of the all-party parliamentary cycling group, said he was "delighted" a long campaign by MPs and peers had succeeded.